Getting Started with BPM

The true benefits of business process automation software

Work smarter, not harder. That’s always the goal, but it’s usually easier said than done. But that objective is exactly what is at the core of business process management (BPM) software.

Business process management is the practice of using computer software and tools to assist a business with conducting its work – often leading to process improvements and increased efficiency. It allows employees to work smarter by letting the BPM system handle logistics, automate repetitive tasks and manage rudimentary processing. By ensuring that work is handled consistently and that tasks are delivered to the right users at the right time, BPM frees users to focus on higher value work and exception cases.

Getting started with business process management (BPM)

If you understand the benefits business process automation could provide your organisation, you should consider the following questions when trying to get your BPM project off the ground:

What structured or repeatable processes at my organisation would benefit from automation?

Do a number of the above processes exist within the same department?

Which of my departments or business units would achieve the greatest benefit from faster processes or a more focused workforce?

Business process management projects are generally more successful if they start with a limited scope and gradually branch out to new areas. The above questions will help you target which areas in your organisation would benefit most from BPM. By first starting in those areas, you can establish some quick wins and eventually scale your solution to new departments as business needs dictate – eventually creating an enterprise-wide BPM system.

Benefits grow as your business process automation solution grows

Ensuring business rules are applied consistently to items moving through the system

Enabling users to track where items are in-process at any time

Notifying the appropriate individuals of specific events or process bottlenecks – allowing them to take quick action

Freeing up employees to focus on the valuable task at hand, not process rules

In the end, BPM systems increase consistency, drive efficiency and eliminate the need for employees to spend time on slow, structured, manual processes. By automating repetitive and predictable tasks, BPM equips your organisation to perform more effectively and do its best work.